Painted Tongue
Salpiglossis sinuata
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardSalpiglossis sinuata
Sizes & Pricing
Seed PackFrom$3.99
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size18-24 in × 9-12 in
About Painted Tongue
Painted tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata) is a cool-season annual from South America prized for its large, velvety, funnel-shaped flowers in rich jewel tones—purples, bronzes, reds, and yellows—often with contrasting veined markings. In NE Florida zone 9b, plant in fall for a brilliant winter-to-spring show; it fades with the arrival of summer heat. Starting at $3.99.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Winter, Spring
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Loam, Rich, Well-drained
Care essentials
Light
Grow painted tongue in full sun with some afternoon shade protection; Florida's intense summer heat will shut down bloom without mid-day shade relief. Plant in October–November for a cool-season display through spring.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained throughout the growing season. Avoid overhead irrigation—wet foliage and petals promote rot; use drip or hand-watering directed at the root zone.
Soil & Fertilizer
Amend sandy Florida soils with 2–3 inches of compost worked in before planting. Apply a controlled-release balanced fertilizer at planting; supplemental liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during the blooming window extends the display.
Similar needs
Brazilian Plume Flower
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Jacob's Ladder
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
From $19.95Same conditions
Arrowhead Plant
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and rich.
From $7.95Same conditions
Panicle Hydrangea
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $34.95Same conditions
Paperbush
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
Avens
Shares 3 of the same needs: moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
From $12.95Same conditions
Common questions
Is Painted Tongue a good plant for St. Augustine?
Painted Tongue is a plant for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 18-24 in × 9-12 in.